Firestorm Read Online Free PDF Page A

weren’t married to his good friend, Brett would probably be inlove with her. She was one of the few women he knew who was a lady but also sensual and responsive, not frigid. A rarity.
    â€œTaming Storm might take some doing,” Brett said as they rode through the wrought-iron gates.
    â€œMarcy is a winner,” Grant pointed out.
    Brett laughed. “She does have the tenacity of a terrier,” he agreed. “So, Storm has never been out of West Texas? I wonder what she’ll look like in a ballgown.” His smile broadened at the thought. Better yet, he had a disturbing image of her naked.
    â€œDo you intend to court her?”
    Brett laughed. “Hell, no! I’m not ready for a wife.”
    â€œToo bad. Did you see your name in the paper the other day? On the second page, in the article about expanded shipping.”
    â€œI saw it,” Brett said wryly, dismounting.
    Grant laughed and quoted, “‘Brett D’Archand, one of the city’s most prominent citizens and most eligible bachelors.’”
    â€œLike I said, I’m not ready.”
    â€œCould have fooled all the young ladies,” Grant teased. “Building that monstrosity on Folsom Street just for yourself…”
    Brett glared. “That ‘monstrosity’ is the height of good taste and refinement.”
    Grant laughed, and Bart, Paul’s valet, butler, and majordomo, ushered them in.
    Paul greeted them in the dining room. The long table could seat fifty, but the three men clustered at one end, drinking coffee, eating omelets and potato pancakes, and discussing the prospects of taking on several new contracts with their shipping line as it was, or expanding to do so. Brett was in favor of expansion, and soon they all agreed. The three men hadn’t made their individual fortunes by failing to take risks. As it was, Brett knew he was becoming dangerously overextended and cash short. The “monstrosity,” as Grant had referred to it, had been an incredibly expensive indulgence that probably should have waited.
    Pushing aside his plate and leaning back in his chair, Brett asked casually, “Where are your guests?”
    Paul accepted another cup of coffee from the serving maid. “They’re out riding,” he said. “Storm wanted to see the ocean, and her father decided to take her. He’s leaving tomorrow.”
    â€œYou say he’s a rancher?” Brett asked.
    â€œYes. And before that, a Texas Ranger.”
    Brett was surprised. Everyone had heard tall stories about that dauntless breed. He was disappointed, though. He had wanted another glimpse of Storm.
    â€œMarcy will be over this afternoon, Paul,” Grant interjected. “I meant to tell you.”
    â€œGood. Maybe she can take Storm to the seamstress right away. She has nothing to wear. It’s such a shame.”
    Brett raised his cup in silent agreement. At that precise moment, there was the sound of voices, and Storm’s rich, clear laughter rang out. Brett looked toward the doorway with a quickening of interest and was rewarded by a view of Derek Bragg. His daughter appeared right behind him.
    Brett had forgotten just how striking she was.
    â€œHow was your ride?” Paul asked as all three men stood.
    â€œJust wonderful!” said Storm. “We saw the ocean. I’ve never seen so much water. And the beaches are beautiful. I hate to say it, but they’re much nicer than our own coast.”
    Derek laughed. “What’s this? My little Texan is being disloyal?”
    She grinned and accepted the chair Grant was holding out next to him. Derek sat down on her other side, and she found herself facing the dark, magnetic gaze of BrettD’Archand. For a moment his eyes held hers, refusing to let her go. In that instant, which seemed to stretch forever, Storm lost touch with everything and everyone else in the room. She felt compelled to stare back at this strange man,